If you have not yet listened to doyle dykes please do so. For example. Search Doyle Dykes Mr Sandman. And he plays a lot of Chet Atkins. Only he is more amazing finger style. You will enjoy as much as Tommy
@@JMurdochNZ Yeah, I have been playing at guitar and music for quite a few years now. About 40 to be exact. I say playing, because I see and hear guys like Tommy and many others, who are the real deal. They live it, breath it, soak it all in, understand it all, and I look at guys like me, who can barely read a note, and much less know what key something is in, and what chord, goes with this and that, what scale, etc. I unfortunately have been in love with equipment, amps, guitars, and the whole image, romantic, idea of it all more then I have actually really loving music for what it is. You got to have burning passion and drive to be any good, or to become a great musician. A real genuine love and passion goes a long ways. Dont get me wrong, I do love music, and musical equipment, but I have determined I love the equipment and image more then I do actually playing and understanding music as a whole. Its sad, but at 55 now, I look back, and totally realize this. Its sad, because back 35-40 years ago, I wanted to be a rock star. I grew my hair out, etc, and thought it was great. Bought the Kramers, Charvels, etc, had to have the look, more then the musical knowledge. Yes, I did learn a few cover songs, but thats about it. That does not make me a real MUSICIAN. I ahve wasted money over the years, traded, sold, etc every guitar and amp. It just gets exhausting over time. Im so sick of it. People like Tommy are the real deal. The either inspire you to become a better musician/player, or the frustrate you, and make you realize, you just play around, but they are serious.
Tommy threw $5 in my case when I was busking in Cairns in 2003. Felt like ten million would have coming from anyone else. He stayed for the whole song and paid at the end, what a king of a man.
if you spent that 5 note you need a kick in the arse. when the greatest guitarist who has ever lived drops a 5 note in your case when you're out busking, YOU FRAME IT, YOU GOOSE!
As a tour bus driver for a Nashville artist and Opry member, I found myself backstage at the Grand Ole Opry on numerous occasions, just hanging out waiting on the show to finish so we could roll out for the next venue. The most memorable of those was the night TE was there. The man was just roaming the hallways, playing guitar and entertaining just like he was on stage. I stood 3ft away from this legend, and just watched in awe. His stage act is not an act....it's his true personality. Most of the other acts at the Opry that night were just hanging out in his dressing room watching him play. After the show, I'm standing out beside the bus which is parked outside the artist entrance of the Opry, and out walks Tommy Emmanuel. I told him that his performance was inspiring...that it had inspired me to throw my guitar in front of this bus and run over it. He just smiled, and said, "man don't do that, it isn't the guitars' fault." Then he threw his guitar in the trunk of a Toyota Camry and drove off! I've been around some big fish, but this man is a giant.
I met him by chance in the early ’90s in a guitar shop in Melbourne, he was behind the counter. I asked him for his autograph. He said ”that’ll be 2 cents” everyone in the store laughed. I paid the money. 2 wks later he played a show at the central club hotel in Richmond and all I can say was ”holy - oh my God!!!” I saw him warm up at the side of the stage and that was mesmerizing! The set itself was just next level. His band was clearly a bunch of dudes he’d known for years and the lady playing keyboards looked like a suburban mum piano teacher who was wearing this sparkly bright coloured cap, that looked like her 5 yr old daughter gave it to her. When they started playing, it was like these people are for fkn real! No singer was needed. He played a telecaster, he did things with that guitar I didn't know we're possible, he bent the neck so many times I thought it would break. At the end of his set, this week night pub crowd refused to let him leave, so he pulled out his semi acoustic again and played a few more songs. I left that night with a new outlook and appreciation for the guitar. It was like I was witnessing Mozart playing the harpsichord as a child. That Friday I put a deposit down on a Sunburst Tele, just like his. I had no idea how I was going to pay for it, but I knew I had to have it. Before that night, I thought the ’The Edge, Eddie, Charlie Burchill ( Simple Minds) and Andy Summers were where it's at. But Tommy is in a class of his own!!
Michael, you said it somewhere in the middle "look how he's enjoying it". You can always see Tommy having a blast 🙂. That's so important I think to enjoy it and to convey that enjoyment. Sincerity Sincerity Sincerity. Thanks for this. Tommy is just unbelievable 🙂🎸🎸
Oh and a little aside for you North American types. We have a hardware chain called "Bunnings" here in Oz, a bit like your Home Depot. Every time I drive out of my local Bunnings, I am heading straight at the front door of the Maton factory where that guitar he's playing was made.
No one is mentioning the fact that Tommy is playing this on an acoustic guitar, hitting every note clearly on his slides, his hammer-ons, and his transitions, coordinated perfectly with his right hand. He’s truly a master.
I appreciate what you're saying even though some don't I'm with you it still an acoustic guitar not like he's playing on an electric guitar with a thin and super fast neck Tommy Emanuel is freaking awesome I've been listening to Tommy for years I'd love to see him live
I think what is even more impressive is his timing. He has the timing of a professional drummer built into his melodic guitar playing. I am a drummer and I can pick when many of the 'greats' fuck up because their note timing is slightly out when they go for the hard hammer on's or notes/picks on say 16th's or 32nd's within a phrase to make it sound 'different', but im telling you tommy DOES NOT MISS those. It is phenomenal to do that. The hardest part of all. there is NO slop.
I have seen Tommy E. about 40 times last 18 years. He once told me that every time he sees me he has to up his game so that I leave in AWE every time. We have become friends. Fan Friend - he is the GREATEST HUMAN YOU WILL EVER Meet. Oh yeah he plays guitar and he is the BEST in the PLANET. - I am honored to have seen him so many times. He told me he needs these friendships as he travels around the world. I got every single one of his books and has taken me years to figure out his style. Yes Years, but worth it. So AWESOME
I made my wife go reluctantly with me to see him recently. Two songs in I look over at her.....tears running down her cheeks. He’s supernatural on acoustic guitar!!!
Same her, it was not reluctant but my wife loved it. The only other time she was that mesmerised was when we say G3 with Lukather, Vai, Satch. Luke is a household fav (mine anyways) But Vai blew her away just soooo musical and amazing, even for non guitarists.
Reminds of me taking my now wife to see him in 2004 as he was mostly responsible for me picking up guitar as a child. He played for what must have been over 2 hours and at the end of the evening he was surprised with the Australian version of 'This is your life'. ruclips.net/video/j_gWl2n8nEg/видео.html
My fav memory of Tommy was when I was looking at buying guitar in my local store and just started playing a blues riff, then suddenly some dude joined in and it was him. Blew my mind
And for those who are confused by theory, Tommy has never had a lesson, doesn’t read music and knows little about music theory. He plays strictly by ear. Amazing man. Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamassa and many others regard Tommy as the best acoustic guitarist playing today. And to top it off, he is incredibly nice and very humble.
It's important not to confuse, "never had a lesson" with not being studious. The man studies hard in his own way, something we mere mortals can't understand.
The majority of us aren't able to categorise sounds like Tommy and many other great guitarists can. Just because Tommy never had a lesson doesn't mean most people shouldn't.
The most amazing part to me is he is not only technically proficient, super clean and fast, but his very soul is in the music. So much passion and emotion. Just killer.
My dad tried to get me to listen to Tommy Emmanuel for years. It wasn't til after he died that I finally listened and I regret not being able to tell my dad he was right. This guy was one of the best I'd ever seen.
The original composition by Mason Williams, ( wich is absolutely great) , is in a way slower tempo and has stacks of instruments to back it up. Tommy made it his own way and uses only his guitar to fill your ears with overwhelming music. What an absolute beast he is.
Tommy and his brother Phil used to tour Australia together in the early 80s . They had a two man show and played intimate gigs in small venues . They had a family connection to the area where I lived and would often play here. My friends and I would never miss a show. Even then , they were absolute masters of their craft . One of their '"party tricks" was to simultaneously strum /pick their guitar while working the fret board of their brothers instrument , and they NEVER missed a beat . They also did a fantastic version of Dueling Banjos , Tommy on his Maton acoustic and Phil on his Strat'. They would bounce off each other as only brothers can and they were hugely entertaining and funny. My friends and I had no idea how blessed we were at the time . Sadly Phil is no longer with us but the memories of these guys grooving off each other will stay with me forever.
We used to watch Tommy and Phil play every Saturday arvo at a pub in Sydney, either as Goldrush or their own duo, late 70s early 80s. Always astounding. Then there was the time they blew Roy Buchanan off the stage, but that's another story...
I worked on Hamilton Island over 30 years ago and we used to drink at the barefoot bar Across the road was a timber gazebo Tommy and Phil set up there one afternoon and did a very simple set like they were just busking Saw them playing in Mackay aswell around the same time in a small bar Incredible stuff Amazing guitarists. 👍😊
@@GreenDistantStar I’d like to hear that one.. Those were the days they used milk crates as guitar stands.. lol (I didn’t see this first hand but Phil once told me). RIP Phil Emmanuel 🔥🙏🔥
@@astralaudio101 Sure. Roy had already played a gig at the Hordern Pavilion about a year before, and my friends and I were blown away. A year or so later he returned and played a couple of gigs in a little bar in George Street. It was a seats only affair. So Tommy and Phil were the support act, and we were seated stage right up front. That night Tommy and Phil were on fire, maybe because they knew who was to follow. We could see Roy standing off stage, he was talking to some guy in a suit, pointing at the guitar extravaganza and pointing back at the suit, he wasn't happy at all. As best we could work it out, he was saying something like, "Who *ARE* these guys? You expect me to go out and follow *THAT*?"
I had the blue poster. (Not sure it survived a flood). I went to the loo, and they played the pink panther theme, til I got back to my seat. Hardy haha.
DUDE!! I'm laughing so hard because you are so enamored and humbled. Your respect for him is off the charts and I love that! I love the fact that a professional guitar teacher holds Tommy up to such a high level! So awesome! Thanks for this video. It makes me appreciate your art even more!
Watching you enjoying Tommy is almost as good as watching Tommy. Brings back memories of my Italian grandfather and his guitar. Thank you Michael from Australia
Tommy told the story of how he came up with his arrangement to Rick Beato. He said he played a lot of bars early on, where the audience has the attention span of a two-year-old. So he had to arrange Classical Gas so it would grab their attention by the throat. I think he succeeded. Great reaction.
I read somewhere that Eric Clapton once said that playing in a pub/bar was a great way to learn the art of performing. Nobody is really listening so you can experiment without pressure.
I saw Tommy and Phil in the late 70's at a Pub in Sydney in their band Goldrush, Tommy was the drummer and Phil was lead guitar. During the show Tommy would get up and Phil and him would play the one guitar. We could all see then they were both something extraordinary. They are both Australian treasures. RIP Phil.
Rarely have I ever seen such genuine qualified appreciation of talent. Though I certainly am, Mr. Palmisano is clearly not lost in Tommy's amazing interpretation. I'm so awestruck that he's able to follow what Tommy does at all, but the best part really is that Mr. Palmisano does this with such an easy admiration. What an amazing teacher you are Michael! Cheers!
I spent a year one week trying to figure this tune out & 14 years later I can proudly say I NAIL the first 2 bars of this before COMPLETELY falling apart lol....
I feel like watching these (which I love) is the equivalent of my kids watching other kids unbox toys or watching other kids play video games on RUclips.
Many years ago my son who was learning guitar, attended a Tommy Emmanuel concert here in Perth, Western Australia. At the end of the concert Tommy asked if anyone in the audience would like to jam with him later. My enthusiastic son put up his hand and he was the only one to do so. So he went back stage, was handed a guitar and they started to play. After about half an hour, Tommy kindly suggested that maybe my son really needed a few more lessons in basic playing. He was also kind enough to give him a few tips. In later years my son said he cringed at the memory, of how silly he'd been to think he knew enough to even contemplate jamming with Tommy Emmanuel.
I love it when teachers who know their craft are really impressed with the artists we love. (As an Aussie, it’s people like Tommy, Farnham, Barnsie, Sebastian) We know we love them. But most of us don’t understand the technicalities. When you guys love them as well, it makes us very proud.
Tommy Emmanuel finished a show in a country in Eastern Europe. He and his entourage went to a local hotel where the young local boy was playing solo guitar in the lounge. Within 15 minutes Tommy and the young man it struck up a conversation. Long story short they exchanged contact information and Tommy goes to the president of a certain music school and says I want start a annual scholarship program for gifted guitar players. There’s only one condition, the very first scholarship must absolutely go to a young man I met recently. And thus this young man from a war torn country in Eastern Europe attended this music school for free for four years. That’s the kind of man Mr. Manuel is. And for privacy sake for the sake of the young man and for the sake of Tommy, no names are being mentioned. But tell me Emanuelle is deep, authentic, and as many of you know his life as a young man when he and his brother and family including his father basically lived on the road in Australia and played music played music played music morning noon and night forged a man great talent strong as an ox, with that tender loving heart, who thinks always of others before he thinks of himself. And man what a great sense of humor! He lights up the room and I’ll tell you what no matter how bad you feel no matter how shitty your own life is. 15 minutes in a room with TE is like breathing the air of kings. And everything I have described in this paragraph has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with his musicality or his guitar playing. All of that is gravy. If Martians landed tomorrow and zapped Tommy with a ray gun, God for bid, and he forgot how to play guitar, it would be tragic, but as long as he remained the human being that he is, the loss, ultimately, would not be that bad. Is a rare and special human being in the world is a better place because he’s in it.
Brilliant reaction. Your honest, open prostration before the GOAT that is Tommy Emmanuel was wonderful. Your admiration and love of what he does is open and infectious. I only discovered him recently myself. Couldn't believe I hadn't come across him before. I heard that he learned to play in this way because he hadn't realised that bands had rhythym, lead and bass guitars (as well as recorded overdubs) and so, when he tried to learn to play the songs he heard on the radio, he thought he had to play all of it. Together. At the same time. Incredible what humans can achieve.
Ive watched Tommy for years. And being australian myself, you sort of take it for granted. But to see and hear you talk about it and break it down is so respectful. He’s awesome is’nt he! Love it! And he loves the Maton. They are beautiful. Great vid. Cheers.
Tommy and his late brother Phil started playing in the early 60's, and he still practices 4+ hours a day, plus his performances. As he has said when he goes on stage to perform his fingers know where to go through muscle memory. He also says he is lucky to be able to play music as his work. He is also a very humble person who helps and encourages young musicians. He loves his Maton guitars. He's a great Aussie. Greetings from Oz, Dennis
The best music i ever heard him play was with him and his brother who was a tour deforce on electric and was a big influence on tommy in the early days
Damn Michael this is probably the 30th video I've watched from you without ever commenting. My God man your passion is infectious and your explanation around music theory seriously does resonate, I can't imagine how Tommy wouldn't be blown away by your commentary. You are moving musicianship forward. I certainly can't imagine there are too many players in the world better than Tommy Emmanuel.
One of the coolest days at work ever was when I was 21 at an Irish bar in New Orleans. This guy comes in with a guitar case, introduced himself as Tom, and said he heard from his friend Eric back home that we poured a great pint and might let him practice before his gig that night. I said all of that's true. And that's the story about how the guy that wrote And the Band Played Waltzing Mathilda sent Tommy Emmanuel to practice at my work.
@@GITMachine "Life is what happens to you, while you're busy making other plans." - John Lennon, from "Beautiful Boy" (although John wasn't the first to say something very similar)
I went to see Tommy in Adelaide two days ago. I've seen him on RUclips many times, but live in a theatre is just out of this world. He plays only Australian Maton guitars, and his music is simply alive, with feeling, emotion and technical brilliance.
Maton in good old Baysie. I still find it hard to believe one of world's greatest guitar manufacturers is in beautiful Bayswater. And these famous musicians sometimes go there to pick up their guitar. I suppose it is an industrial area, after all, my dad had his solid timber furniture factory around the corner.
@@captaintechno8023 they need to rebuild all the seats in the Festival Theatre. They are getting very outdated and not very comfortable. But at least the music was outstanding!
I own a Maton EM-225 purely based off it being his signature model (also supporting australian made). The action on that Acoustic is better than a couple of the electrics I own. You never need that death grip around a chord that you do on most acoustics. So smooth.
And you can give him a Tele and he'll start whipping out electric-exclusive tricks you'd swear he'd spent a lifetime perfecting. The man's just a beast when it comes to all things guitar. He terrifies me a little bit.
@@HomeBoyLim oh maybe it is nowadays. I brought mine a good 10-12 years ago. I thought the EM in the model is for Emmanuel. EDIT - I just checked his range...they use TE, not EM. In any case, I got a Maton because I saw him (and john butler) playing them.
The great thing about Tommy is, someone could play all the notes he is playing, and yet his sound remains so distinct. The dynamics and articulation is just out of this world. I love him.
I've been lucky enough to see Tommy live many times. Once time in the front seats of a small Aussie theatre. Also seen Tommy & his brother Phil live several times. Brilliance is too small a word! They both were true showmen & had so much fun with the audience. Thanks. GAZ (Melbourne/Australia)
@@ianmontgomery7213 If you are ever in Melbourne you have to Visit the Maton Factory, Its Brilliant. All made here Proudly in Melbourne Victora, By True Blue Aussies using mostly Australian Woods.
I know nothing about music. This is the best reaction video I’ve ever seen. The emotion and expressions in your explanations help give insight into the importance of Emanuel’s transitions and bridges better than any I’ve seen. Also, it brings more significance to my having seen him this year in Fort Lauderdale. I didn’t know what I was watching but I was there because I knew how stellar he is. You are helping me understand more deeply why that is. Had this stuff been around when I was seven, 53 years ago, I would have been a musician. There’s no time left in my life for it. You are fortunate to have the knowledge and passion you have. Thanks for the video!
I had the great fortune to see him live in my hometown in the UK about 15-20 years ago, I had never heard of him but noticed on the flyer that he did part of the opening ceremony at the Sydney Olympics and thought 'he's probably pretty decent' well, to say I was blown away would be an understatement, he is a one mad band and beats on that guitar like a beast. Probably the best live show I have ever seen.
We need a Tommy Emmanuel REACTS to Michael's cold breakdown! Enjoyed this very much. Your GIT teacher was right to cancel class that day to witness the great Tommy. The thing is, I've also had the pleasure to witness Tommy live (a few times) in some very intimate (small crowd, up close & personal) venues, and he plays EVERY song with the same level of accuracy and precision and with the same level of intensity and passion and enjoyment as shown in this video. Then after the show he would hang around and happily talk to anyone and everyone for as long as people would care to. Not only an absolutely "Dead set legend" and true "tour de force" master guitarist and musician, but also a true performer and the most down to earth gentleman that you would ever meet. He will always be a national treasure in our little island down under 🦘
Dude. I just want to say your guitar/music ability is top notch. The way you can pick something as complex as this apart, shows your true musicianship. Tommy is on his own level, but you my friend, are also on a level of your own.
Wish I had found you years ago but I’m past the point of learning at your level. I’m 76 with arthritis and I just enjoy picking simple stuff, but it gets more difficult each day. Ok if I just listen and enjoy? Glad to see you are enjoying one of my favorite guitarists. Most of the songs I play are the Beatles. Mostly because I know all the words! 😆😆😆 Thanks again!
Hey David, Being another boomer I feel you. Just know that there are 6 levels to go through before you consider stopping altogether. I have students in their late decades and they get plenty of joy out of guitars they have stripped back to two strings. And one has even stripped back to one string. If you have spare guitars try setting up a 2 and 1 string guitar. See what you think. Thank s for sharing.
Ive played for 40 years. I only play acoustic. The fact he can do this flawlessly with ZERO mistakes is mind boggling. NO electric forgiveness to hide behind. I have worked on THIS song for hours and hours and oh yeah........HOURS! I will NEVER achieve this level of perfection. He is a true absolute. I'm an 8 year old compared to him.
Hardly anybody ever distinguishes between the difficulty of playing acoustic vs electric. In my opinion, acoustic is 10x harder to master than electric.
I went to a Tommy Emmanuel Show when I was 15. I just couldn’t believe what you could do with just a guitar. He inspired me to pick up and learn. Been happily playing ever since. Tommy = THE GOAT
he is such a great man, I've had the pleasure of talking to him when he was invited to a small jazz festival here in Italy (called Baronissi jazz) . The day before his performance he was sitting 2 seats away from me listening to an amateur jam session... he was the only one with a couple of beers hidden under his seats XD
Thank you Michael, Tommy is one of the best guitar player in the planet. Maybe you can react to Alip Ba Ta, the best talented fingerstyle guitar player from Indonesia.
@@robvancram I inherited my brothers electric-acoustic... Been watching youtube vids "learning how to play" whilst under COVID lock-down this year. I watch these reaction vids from time to time and seeing Tommy's vid today, just broke me... All I want to do is play that song.... like that.... O_o
Tommy Emmanuel is Australia's greatest export! For a long time he was only known in Australia, so glad we were able to share him. He deserves all the international recognition for being an amazing guitarist and top bloke as well. Watching Tommy as a little kid invoked both feelings of inspiration to play and also to give up guitar at the same time. Haha.
Tommy is so very amazing and a super nice guy to boot. I’ve heard him tell the story about how he taught himself to play listening to Chet Atkins records as a kid, not realizing that he was listening to multiple guitar parts overdubbed on the tracks. Since he didn’t know that, he figured how to play all the parts by himself. Had he known, he may not have become such a master of the instrument. Funny how life works sometimes!
A bit like Charlie Parker on the saxophone. When he was learning he didn't know that saxophonists of the time only soloed in a few of the keys -- the easier ones. So he taught himself to play in all of them. (I remember that from a great biography of Charlie Parker: "Bird Lives". Don't remember the name of the author.)
Really, the story i heard Tommy E tell, was he had heard Chet Atkins, and he was bragging about him to his dad, about plaing all the parts, and his dad told him they were dubbed over and several parts.. Tommy said later he learned that it was just Chet..i could be wrong, its been a while since i heard the story.. and Tommy learned them all. Great entertainer, guy, and musician..
@@barryhoneycutt3894 You are correct I have seen TE live several times and he recounts that he thought Chet was doing it all without over dubbing and wrote him as a kid/teenager only to find out that TE was correct and it was one take. They became pen pals and fostered a friendship that lasted until Chet's passing, RIP.
Tommy Emmanuel has been playing guitar for the best part of 60 years, yet his enthusiasm / love of playing is clear for all to see ...... He's a legend and what's more, he's a good bloke too. One of the greatest musicians Australia has ever produced. Worth mentioning his late brother Phil was a very good guitarist too.
I've been a Tommy fan for years BUT I was Mega impressed at you copying this rendition like an audio recorder Michael ! SERIOUSLY, it was magical to see you reproduce the piece from Tommy 🙃 subbed. As for Tommy being the best guitarist ? It's in the ear of the beholder and I think anyone who gets the BUZZ out of music is the Bomb ❤️ I've loved warbling since age 6 but I've got the Music Buzz from Musicians all my Life 🙃 All Kudos to all you pro musicians 🙃 Thanks Michael, you came up in my feed and I'm glad 💯
I really appreciate and enjoyed your honest joy and admiration of Tommy Emmanuels Talent despite your own professional knowledge and I do thank you for sharing this experience. Hardly anything else can be added to that. I did experience two live performances by him and each time "did blow my socks off".
Not only is he playing very technical and a lot of notes, he doesn’t make it sound boring, he adds dynamics, good phrasing and also, just an overall awesome performing presence.
I may have crossed paths with you peeps too. I saw Tommy many times both inside and outside of Sydney from the 80s until he last visit after Phil's passing (RIP). In 1991 I was fortunate enough to get invited to a masterclass he did at the Wagga Wagga Twin Cinema (I know - odd venue) with James Morrison (trumpet). There were 8 students including myself. It was an unbelievable, eye opening, mind blowing, personal experience.
Late 80's The Star Hotel in Sydney Tommy and Phil were the greatest guitar moments in life. First started following him after he played a Beatles Medley in the Domain, I could not believe that one person could actually do that with a guitar. I have seen him every time he has visited Perth. Got to meet him backstage once and I had 3 young guys with me who had never seen a guy actually do that with a guitar!!! Full circle! Thanks for the video. I love people loving Tommy play guitar!!
Amazing to hear the stories he had early on where he was barely able even with his amazing talent to earn a basic living. His early years and marriage were tumultuous as a result.
Besides the magic he shows with both hands the speed and virtually perfect timing he maintains is remarkable. Watching him it looks like he's in a trance and the music is just flowing out of him, as amazing to watch as it is to listen to.
I'm Australian, have lived in Australia all my life, am in my mid 40s, am a musician and my life has always been and always will be music (yes kids, I love you too, Dad promises). I first saw Tommy play live around 1995 at a rock festival (yes rock festival) in Western Australia to a few thousand young people and going by the other comments here I don't need to explain the impact he had on the crowd that night. Anyway, to see Michael's video above and have confirmation from a learned musical teacher, who understands music from a technical / theory perspective, that yes Tommy is actually that special has made me and I'm sure many other Tommy Emmanual fans extremely emotional. He's not 1 in a million, he's 1 in 7.8 billion.
I was at a concert at Baylor University many years ago where Tommy had the half filled house rockin'! Someone in the front row asked him how he was able to anchor his thumb and get to impossible positions around it. He held up his hands, and they were a completely different shape from one another. Hours upon hours of practice had reshaped his left hand. Amazing dedication to his instrument.
I know Tommy and Phil Emmanual very well. When I was growing up...my parents used to have them over to stay when they were touring around Queensland. Unfortunately Phil died couple years ago and I used to do the sound for him and sometimes open for his shows. I remember when I was a child Tommy and Phil used to play the same guitar at the same time... playing three different songs...Bass, Melody, and lead all at the same time, and not even looking at the fretboard having a cigarette and a whiskey all at the same time. Absolutely mind blowing.
Having seen TE live (and signed the headstock on my Larrivee 🤪) he’s even crazier when you hear it for 2 hours straight with dozens of different arrangements, tunings, and his plain joyful attitude the entire time while wowing everyone.
Bro you’re so good for being able to follow this with such ease at that depth! It’s amazing fr. I been playing over 20 years and I can’t do it that smooth. Excellent ear for key change
I've seen Tommy live a few times - first time up close in a tiny venue... he's breathtaking to watch live... How he does some of the things he does, is incredible
I don’t know much about guitar, but I love Tommy so much that I gave this vid a try, and now I really like this teacher too! I LOVE HONEST PPL WHO ARE SMART, KIND, and CAN THROW AWAY THEIR DAMN EGO WHEN APPRECIATING TRUE MASTERS OF SOMETHING!! This guy is SO me when I talk about Marlon Brando!! ❤️😂👍
It's so much fun to watch Michael here not just feeling the overwhelming appreciation for Tommy Emmanuel around every corner, but at the same time this oh so relatable resignation all of us feel when watching Tommy Emmanuel. Somewhere between "I want to keep practicing a few decades and learn that" and "I'll never learn that, I'll better trash my guitar right now and spare me the pain." I also love how much fun those masters of their craft are often having doing what they do. Reminds me of Victor Borge at the piano. So much humor, so much fun and so much skill and muscle memory... Pure dedication. That's uplifting!
You hit the nail on the head when you said “he knows the function of every single note that he’s playing.” That, I believe is the magic of Tommy. I was and remain a devoted student of Michael Hedges, I came to the same conclusion about him 27 years ago. They both have the ability to know where they are at all times on the fretboard and what can be accessed at any given moment. 20K-30K hours of dedicated practice..
Saying "he knows the function of a note" is incorrect:/ The function of a note is to be THAT note. What he does so well is knows exactly where on the fretboard to find any note or combination thereof that exists. Then he goes and finds the same notes, triads and combinations in a dozen different places ,lol. Hes also smooth and lighting fast doing this. I dare say he knows the fretboard BETTER than the back of his hand,lol. Hes also great at composition and arrangement. Ive spent some time with him after a couple of shows. Not the humblest man on earth but he does"nt bloody have to be,lol. To be fair, it depends on his mood. One night he was filthy angry that a mob of provincial Tasmanians[yes, he said that] talked over him:/ It was a bar ffs!!! Next time he was great and happy to sign my Maton and play a bit with me. The guy is intimidating as hell, and ive been playing over 50 years and am not exactly ametuer level,lol. Being a busy guy with many interests including surfing and photography[i wont go into the cars,lol] i would have half the practice hours maximum. But unlike so many i hear are throwing their guitars out the window after hearing some guitar god. I dont get that. There will will always be someone better. The main thing for me now, decades after my band days are over is the sheer enjoyment of playing and composing:) I love my looper:) Who needs other people anymore,lol
@@TheZacdes Regarding the definition of “function” you explained my point exactly. Function and the guitar for me is a mathematical relationship. However, you explained it so much better than I did. Thank you my friend and for the delightful insight to Tommy “after hours” so to speak. Have a wonderful New Year!
@@RealPeterGunn I agree and was actually thinking as i typed it that its all math based, and being good at math, has the music i hear translating into the math relationships you mentioned. I hear math, and sound,lol. Ime gifted with nearly perfect pitch. If you can call it a gift when the slightest note out of tune drives me nuts,lol Pity about it being such a compromise tuning wise:/ I would like a fretless job, but their hard to find:) You have a good one too mate:)
I truly appreciate your enthusiasm for music and your passion to explain these things in a way that brings emotion to the mechanics and theory. You have a great way of explaining things that make ME as excited as you are, even though I have no idea what you're talking about most of the time.
This was so damn good to watch, your analysis is just amazing and it's so fun to see you go through the emotions of watching Tommy Emmanuel play! What you said about "If it sounds good, it is" hits home for me. I -played- massacred one of his early songs for my high school final exams, I have no idea about anything you spoke about but it just felt good to play that song.
As a bass player of 35 years I get where you're at as a musician. It's that ability to know what key and chord structures at first listen, and hook right in. I also relate to your frustration when the answer is in front of you but you're just not quite getting it right and you know it! The smoothness of your playing comes only from putting a lot of hours in over a long period of time. May it continue to shine. As for Tommy, I don't know where he found his hours. He blew me away when I saw him 20 years ago. Tommy Emmanuel is a dead set Australian living legend.
Chet Atkins Certified Guitar Players: Tommy Emmanuel, John Knowles, Jerry Reed, and Steve Wariner. How about a little love for Jerry Reed? EDIT: There have been several guitarists mentioned by Chet as CGP. These are the only four 'certified' by the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society.
I went to a workshop given by Tommy at York Jazz festival (West Aust.) in the 80s I think.....he actually gave me some time and attention even though I was a complete beginner....he was so encouraging to me even though I was totally out of my depth. He is absolutely enthusiastic about the guitar, which is why he is so good oc.
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I've shit tiny green apples I'm so happy to see a reaction like this LMAO
Bro, no offence but you suck. This was a horrible lesson of a song that you cant play. Cringe reactions also.
Michael, I'm amazed the way you can analyze what Tommy's playing and demonstrate the chord progressions. Your videos are very interesting.
If you have not yet listened to doyle dykes please do so. For example. Search Doyle Dykes Mr Sandman. And he plays a lot of Chet Atkins. Only he is more amazing finger style. You will enjoy as much as Tommy
@@mgamga9476 Neither guitarists are more amazing fingerstyle than Chet. Doyle is pretty good though.
At one of Tommys concerts he asked if there were any guitar players in the audience, a little voice replied, "not anymore".
Ha, now thats funny.
First time I saw him live back in 1999, I heard two guys behind me talking - "We should just quit right now."
@@JMurdochNZ Yeah, I have been playing at guitar and music for quite a few years now. About 40 to be exact. I say playing, because I see and hear guys like Tommy and many others, who are the real deal. They live it, breath it, soak it all in, understand it all, and I look at guys like me, who can barely read a note, and much less know what key something is in, and what chord, goes with this and that, what scale, etc. I unfortunately have been in love with equipment, amps, guitars, and the whole image, romantic, idea of it all more then I have actually really loving music for what it is. You got to have burning passion and drive to be any good, or to become a great musician. A real genuine love and passion goes a long ways. Dont get me wrong, I do love music, and musical equipment, but I have determined I love the equipment and image more then I do actually playing and understanding music as a whole. Its sad, but at 55 now, I look back, and totally realize this. Its sad, because back 35-40 years ago, I wanted to be a rock star. I grew my hair out, etc, and thought it was great. Bought the Kramers, Charvels, etc, had to have the look, more then the musical knowledge. Yes, I did learn a few cover songs, but thats about it. That does not make me a real MUSICIAN. I ahve wasted money over the years, traded, sold, etc every guitar and amp. It just gets exhausting over time. Im so sick of it. People like Tommy are the real deal. The either inspire you to become a better musician/player, or the frustrate you, and make you realize, you just play around, but they are serious.
😂
Ha.
Tommy threw $5 in my case when I was busking in Cairns in 2003. Felt like ten million would have coming from anyone else.
He stayed for the whole song and paid at the end, what a king of a man.
i love him more by the day. every comment i read of him, wow !
Amazing experience i bet
You have now a 5$ bill stick on your guitar i bet 🥴😂
if you spent that 5 note you need a kick in the arse. when the greatest guitarist who has ever lived drops a 5 note in your case when you're out busking, YOU FRAME IT, YOU GOOSE!
As a tour bus driver for a Nashville artist and Opry member, I found myself backstage at the Grand Ole Opry on numerous occasions, just hanging out waiting on the show to finish so we could roll out for the next venue. The most memorable of those was the night TE was there. The man was just roaming the hallways, playing guitar and entertaining just like he was on stage. I stood 3ft away from this legend, and just watched in awe. His stage act is not an act....it's his true personality. Most of the other acts at the Opry that night were just hanging out in his dressing room watching him play. After the show, I'm standing out beside the bus which is parked outside the artist entrance of the Opry, and out walks Tommy Emmanuel. I told him that his performance was inspiring...that it had inspired me to throw my guitar in front of this bus and run over it. He just smiled, and said, "man don't do that, it isn't the guitars' fault." Then he threw his guitar in the trunk of a Toyota Camry and drove off! I've been around some big fish, but this man is a giant.
Your sir, get the pin.
I met him by chance in the early ’90s in a guitar shop in Melbourne, he was behind the counter. I asked him for his autograph. He said ”that’ll be 2 cents” everyone in the store laughed. I paid the money.
2 wks later he played a show at the central club hotel in Richmond and all I can say was ”holy - oh my God!!!” I saw him warm up at the side of the stage and that was mesmerizing! The set itself was just next level. His band was clearly a bunch of dudes he’d known for years and the lady playing keyboards looked like a suburban mum piano teacher who was wearing this sparkly bright coloured cap, that looked like her 5 yr old daughter gave it to her. When they started playing, it was like these people are for fkn real! No singer was needed. He played a telecaster, he did things with that guitar I didn't know we're possible, he bent the neck so many times I thought it would break. At the end of his set, this week night pub crowd refused to let him leave, so he pulled out his semi acoustic again and played a few more songs. I left that night with a new outlook and appreciation for the guitar. It was like I was witnessing Mozart playing the harpsichord as a child. That Friday I put a deposit down on a Sunburst Tele, just like his. I had no idea how I was going to pay for it, but I knew I had to have it. Before that night, I thought the ’The Edge, Eddie, Charlie Burchill ( Simple Minds) and Andy Summers were where it's at. But Tommy is in a class of his own!!
His show felt like he was hanging out with friends and just felt like playing. So great.
"man don't do that, it isn't the guitars' fault."...well, it doesn't get any more real than that! :)
What an incredible burn "it isn't the guitar's fault!" said with love
Michael, you said it somewhere in the middle "look how he's enjoying it".
You can always see Tommy having a blast 🙂.
That's so important I think to enjoy it and to convey that enjoyment.
Sincerity Sincerity Sincerity.
Thanks for this. Tommy is just unbelievable 🙂🎸🎸
Tommy is so good that his guitar has to practice.
🤣
I literally belly laughed!
haha! Good one!
🔥💯🙏
@@bstrickland4 me too!!!! Hands down funniest comment EVER (for musicians anyway) on RUclips
Tommy Emmanuel is known in Australia as a "dead set legend", which is the nation's highest honour.
I can hear why! Wow!
Dead set tommy
Ken Oath.
@@garymcmurdie6058 Ken Oath indeed.
Oh and a little aside for you North American types. We have a hardware chain called "Bunnings" here in Oz, a bit like your Home Depot. Every time I drive out of my local Bunnings, I am heading straight at the front door of the Maton factory where that guitar he's playing was made.
No one is mentioning the fact that Tommy is playing this on an acoustic guitar, hitting every note clearly on his slides, his hammer-ons, and his transitions, coordinated perfectly with his right hand. He’s truly a master.
Because it goes without saying.
Those Maton guitars are just nice on the hands and fingers.
Love mine.
I appreciate what you're saying even though some don't I'm with you it still an acoustic guitar not like he's playing on an electric guitar with a thin and super fast neck Tommy Emanuel is freaking awesome I've been listening to Tommy for years I'd love to see him live
And he uses .13 strings btw.. thats insane
I think what is even more impressive is his timing. He has the timing of a professional drummer built into his melodic guitar playing. I am a drummer and I can pick when many of the 'greats' fuck up because their note timing is slightly out when they go for the hard hammer on's or notes/picks on say 16th's or 32nd's within a phrase to make it sound 'different', but im telling you tommy DOES NOT MISS those. It is phenomenal to do that. The hardest part of all. there is NO slop.
I have seen Tommy E. about 40 times last 18 years. He once told me that every time he sees me he has to up his game so that I leave in AWE every time. We have become friends. Fan Friend - he is the GREATEST HUMAN YOU WILL EVER Meet. Oh yeah he plays guitar and he is the BEST in the PLANET. - I am honored to have seen him so many times. He told me he needs these friendships as he travels around the world. I got every single one of his books and has taken me years to figure out his style. Yes Years, but worth it. So AWESOME
I made my wife go reluctantly with me to see him recently. Two songs in I look over at her.....tears running down her cheeks. He’s supernatural on acoustic guitar!!!
Supernatural for sure.
Same her, it was not reluctant but my wife loved it. The only other time she was that mesmerised was when we say G3 with Lukather, Vai, Satch. Luke is a household fav (mine anyways) But Vai blew her away just soooo musical and amazing, even for non guitarists.
I took my wife to see him two years ago. Not typically her type of thing but she actually really enjoyed it. His protege Smokin Joe Robinson opened.
Reminds of me taking my now wife to see him in 2004 as he was mostly responsible for me picking up guitar as a child. He played for what must have been over 2 hours and at the end of the evening he was surprised with the Australian version of 'This is your life'. ruclips.net/video/j_gWl2n8nEg/видео.html
I was lucky enough to see him with David Grisman on mandolin. Such a treat.
My fav memory of Tommy was when I was looking at buying guitar in my local store and just started playing a blues riff, then suddenly some dude joined in and it was him. Blew my mind
And for those who are confused by theory, Tommy has never had a lesson, doesn’t read music and knows little about music theory. He plays strictly by ear. Amazing man. Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamassa and many others regard Tommy as the best acoustic guitarist playing today. And to top it off, he is incredibly nice and very humble.
It's important not to confuse, "never had a lesson" with not being studious. The man studies hard in his own way, something we mere mortals can't understand.
And don't forget really really funny.
Shouldn’t dissuade guitarists from learning theory . Most of us don’t have perfect pitch
The majority of us aren't able to categorise sounds like Tommy and many other great guitarists can. Just because Tommy never had a lesson doesn't mean most people shouldn't.
Tommy’s many things (including being a legend) but one of the things he’s not is humble lol
The most amazing part to me is he is not only technically proficient, super clean and fast, but his very soul is in the music. So much passion and emotion. Just killer.
And he's hilarious...he opened show a couple of weeks ago with a string of deprecating drummer and bassist jokes.
He gives his all in all he does.
My dad tried to get me to listen to Tommy Emmanuel for years. It wasn't til after he died that I finally listened and I regret not being able to tell my dad he was right. This guy was one of the best I'd ever seen.
Hope your son listens. ..
In my case my son wanted to see Tommy so I bought us tickets to a concert. We had a great time and it made me a fan
Tommy Emanuel was a really good guitarist in the seventies. Now he just drops in occasionally to show us what music in heaven sounds like.
Give him a break, Bob. He's not dead yet! 😁😁
You're a brave man Michael. The last thing I do when listening to Tommy is reach for my guitar.
My guitar locks itself in it's case and wont speak to me for weeks 😂
...i jus give up...
@@johnnybird7593😂😂😂
Underated comment, and yeah I usually put mine away
Dude, your ability to catch all those moves and analyze them, and play them…on the fly, is amazing. ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Thanks my brother appreciate the love
Yes I agree , I'll subscribe now ✌️♥️🇦🇺
@@nicksharp5060 hahahaha Johnny wasn't talking to you !
Certainly NOT on the fly! 😂 his body language shows his lie when he says he doing it “on the fly” 😂
To be honest he played some of them wrong tho.
The original composition by Mason Williams, ( wich is absolutely great) , is in a way slower tempo and has stacks of instruments to back it up. Tommy made it his own way and uses only his guitar to fill your ears with overwhelming music. What an absolute beast he is.
Tommy and his brother Phil used to tour Australia together in the early 80s . They had a two man show and played intimate gigs in small venues . They had a family connection to the area where I lived and would often play here.
My friends and I would never miss a show. Even then , they were absolute masters of their craft . One of their '"party tricks" was to simultaneously strum /pick their guitar while working the fret board of their brothers instrument , and they NEVER missed a beat . They also did a fantastic version of Dueling Banjos , Tommy on his Maton acoustic and Phil on his Strat'. They would bounce off each other as only brothers can and they were hugely entertaining and funny. My friends and I had no idea how blessed we were at the time .
Sadly Phil is no longer with us but the memories of these guys grooving off each other will stay with me forever.
We used to watch Tommy and Phil play every Saturday arvo at a pub in Sydney, either as Goldrush or their own duo, late 70s early 80s. Always astounding. Then there was the time they blew Roy Buchanan off the stage, but that's another story...
I worked on Hamilton Island over 30 years ago and we used to drink at the barefoot bar
Across the road was a timber gazebo
Tommy and Phil set up there one afternoon and did a very simple set like they were just busking
Saw them playing in Mackay aswell around the same time in a small bar
Incredible stuff
Amazing guitarists.
👍😊
@@GreenDistantStar I’d like to hear that one.. Those were the days they used milk crates as guitar stands.. lol (I didn’t see this first hand but Phil once told me). RIP Phil Emmanuel
🔥🙏🔥
@@astralaudio101 Sure. Roy had already played a gig at the Hordern Pavilion about a year before, and my friends and I were blown away. A year or so later he returned and played a couple of gigs in a little bar in George Street. It was a seats only affair. So Tommy and Phil were the support act, and we were seated stage right up front. That night Tommy and Phil were on fire, maybe because they knew who was to follow. We could see Roy standing off stage, he was talking to some guy in a suit, pointing at the guitar extravaganza and pointing back at the suit, he wasn't happy at all. As best we could work it out, he was saying something like, "Who *ARE* these guys? You expect me to go out and follow *THAT*?"
I had the blue poster. (Not sure it survived a flood). I went to the loo, and they played the pink panther theme, til I got back to my seat. Hardy haha.
DUDE!! I'm laughing so hard because you are so enamored and humbled. Your respect for him is off the charts and I love that! I love the fact that a professional guitar teacher holds Tommy up to such a high level! So awesome! Thanks for this video. It makes me appreciate your art even more!
😅
Watching you enjoying Tommy is almost as good as watching Tommy. Brings back memories of my Italian grandfather and his guitar. Thank you Michael from Australia
Tommy told the story of how he came up with his arrangement to Rick Beato. He said he played a lot of bars early on, where the audience has the attention span of a two-year-old. So he had to arrange Classical Gas so it would grab their attention by the throat. I think he succeeded. Great reaction.
Every time Rick laughed during their video he was actually thinking “ How in the f£€k are you doing that”? The dude is from another planet.
I read somewhere that Eric Clapton once said that playing in a pub/bar was a great way to learn the art of performing. Nobody is really listening so you can experiment without pressure.
Ask him to play El Paso.
I've seen Tommy play to half a dozen people, and he played like it was the best gig he ever had.
I have seen him paly in someone's house.
@@heraldeventsandfilms5970 i seen him play in the womb
@@waynekerr8003 Prick.
@@heraldeventsandfilms5970 indeed
wayne kerr - Too bad Tommy wasn’t giving spelling lessons, too.
I saw Tommy and Phil in the late 70's at a Pub in Sydney in their band Goldrush, Tommy was the drummer and Phil was lead guitar. During the show Tommy would get up and Phil and him would play the one guitar. We could all see then they were both something extraordinary. They are both Australian treasures. RIP Phil.
Rarely have I ever seen such genuine qualified appreciation of talent. Though I certainly am, Mr. Palmisano is clearly not lost in Tommy's amazing interpretation. I'm so awestruck that he's able to follow what Tommy does at all, but the best part really is that Mr. Palmisano does this with such an easy admiration. What an amazing teacher you are Michael! Cheers!
I spent a year one week trying to figure this tune out & 14 years later I can proudly say
I NAIL the first 2 bars of this before COMPLETELY falling apart lol....
I feel like watching these (which I love) is the equivalent of my kids watching other kids unbox toys or watching other kids play video games on RUclips.
You sir, get the pin.
@@Guitargate Hey man. Thank you for making me fall in love with my guitar again.
Many years ago my son who was learning guitar, attended a Tommy Emmanuel concert here in Perth, Western Australia. At the end of the concert Tommy asked if anyone in the audience would like to jam with him later.
My enthusiastic son put up his hand and he was the only one to do so. So he went back stage, was handed a guitar and they started to play. After about half an hour, Tommy kindly suggested that maybe my son really needed a few more lessons in basic playing.
He was also kind enough to give him a few tips. In later years my son said he cringed at the memory, of how silly he'd been to think he knew enough to even contemplate jamming with Tommy Emmanuel.
Hahahaha 🤣 that's so funny.
Pretty cool.
Gutsey kid , how is he progressing ?
Tommy signed my telecaster ✌️♥️🇦🇺
Tom And Phil, were both teachers. They made people, want to play good. I saw them, and that’s what it did for me.
@@duellingscarguevara Phil was my guitar teacher for about 6 months back in the 80s
I love it when teachers who know their craft are really impressed with the artists we love. (As an Aussie, it’s people like Tommy, Farnham, Barnsie, Sebastian) We know we love them. But most of us don’t understand the technicalities. When you guys love them as well, it makes us very proud.
Tommy Emmanuel finished a show in a country in Eastern Europe. He and his entourage went to a local hotel where the young local boy was playing solo guitar in the lounge. Within 15 minutes Tommy and the young man it struck up a conversation. Long story short they exchanged contact information and Tommy goes to the president of a certain music school and says I want start a annual scholarship program for gifted guitar players. There’s only one condition, the very first scholarship must absolutely go to a young man I met recently. And thus this young man from a war torn country in Eastern Europe attended this music school for free for four years. That’s the kind of man Mr. Manuel is. And for privacy sake for the sake of the young man and for the sake of Tommy, no names are being mentioned. But tell me Emanuelle is deep, authentic, and as many of you know his life as a young man when he and his brother and family including his father basically lived on the road in Australia and played music played music played music morning noon and night forged a man great talent strong as an ox, with that tender loving heart, who thinks always of others before he thinks of himself. And man what a great sense of humor! He lights up the room and I’ll tell you what no matter how bad you feel no matter how shitty your own life is. 15 minutes in a room with TE is like breathing the air of kings. And everything I have described in this paragraph has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with his musicality or his guitar playing. All of that is gravy. If Martians landed tomorrow and zapped Tommy with a ray gun, God for bid, and he forgot how to play guitar, it would be tragic, but as long as he remained the human being that he is, the loss, ultimately, would not be that bad. Is a rare and special human being in the world is a better place because he’s in it.
Brilliant reaction. Your honest, open prostration before the GOAT that is Tommy Emmanuel was wonderful. Your admiration and love of what he does is open and infectious.
I only discovered him recently myself. Couldn't believe I hadn't come across him before. I heard that he learned to play in this way because he hadn't realised that bands had rhythym, lead and bass guitars (as well as recorded overdubs) and so, when he tried to learn to play the songs he heard on the radio, he thought he had to play all of it. Together. At the same time.
Incredible what humans can achieve.
Just remember, Tommy says he's a drummer that also happens to play the guitar. Put that in perspective.
He's got a good since of humor. :)
Meanwhile, God said, I created the world in 6 days, but what i really want to do is direct!
🤯💯😳
He might be referring to his approach on playing the guitar
@@jochem420 I think so, based on the condition of his guitar. Like Mark King the bass player from Level 42 who was a drummer.
His expertise, your expertise, his magic, your delight. Pure joy.
The only thing faster than Tommy's playing is Michael hitting the pause.
Kkkkkkkk
Your right...stop interrupting and let him play...
I know right? Like..
Tommy: plays a note
Micheal: PAUSE!!!!
alittle less pauses would be nice ^^
He's "nerding out" on Tommy, can't say I blame him....playing is incredible
Ive watched Tommy for years. And being australian myself, you sort of take it for granted. But to see and hear you talk about it and break it down is so respectful. He’s awesome is’nt he! Love it! And he loves the Maton. They are beautiful. Great vid. Cheers.
Tommy and his late brother Phil started playing in the early 60's, and he still practices 4+ hours a day, plus his performances.
As he has said when he goes on stage to perform his fingers know where to go through muscle memory.
He also says he is lucky to be able to play music as his work.
He is also a very humble person who helps and encourages young musicians.
He loves his Maton guitars.
He's a great Aussie.
Greetings from Oz, Dennis
The best music i ever heard him play was with him and his brother who was a tour deforce on electric and was a big influence on tommy in the early days
He has said that he practices 8-10 hours a day; sometimes he will play the same thing for an hour just to maintain his finger strength.
The Kaveman his brother Phil was a monster player. Guy I know used to sing with Phil’s band. The Emmanuel bros are our Vaughn bros.
@@70zenboy They were unparalleled on stage
@@CafeCodeBunny wow. Cool story. Would love to have a jam with tommy. Such accomplished musician.
Damn Michael this is probably the 30th video I've watched from you without ever commenting. My God man your passion is infectious and your explanation around music theory seriously does resonate, I can't imagine how Tommy wouldn't be blown away by your commentary. You are moving musicianship forward. I certainly can't imagine there are too many players in the world better than Tommy Emmanuel.
The negative thing about Tommy, whenever I see him play, I want to sell all my guitars.
@Matej Juhás Because I recognise I'll never be as good as that
@@SalisburyKarateClub you don't have to be as good as him, be as good as you can be and make it your own talent and own way of playing guitar :)
My Gitarr don't do that?!
I had to put my guitar in the other room to spare it from being jealous.
Why sell when a guitar bonfire would be much more satisfying?
One of the coolest days at work ever was when I was 21 at an Irish bar in New Orleans. This guy comes in with a guitar case, introduced himself as Tom, and said he heard from his friend Eric back home that we poured a great pint and might let him practice before his gig that night. I said all of that's true. And that's the story about how the guy that wrote And the Band Played Waltzing Mathilda sent Tommy Emmanuel to practice at my work.
DUDE.
@@Guitargate That about sums it up
Now that's a great story! Life is about what happens, not what you plan.
@@daviddubinsky868 "Life is about what happens, not what you plan."
Damn dude. Stealing this. Thanks.
@@GITMachine "Life is what happens to you, while you're busy making other plans." - John Lennon, from "Beautiful Boy" (although John wasn't the first to say something very similar)
My favorite artist! And as an Aussie we couldn’t be more proud! Seen him a number of times live and he is breathtaking.
I went to see Tommy in Adelaide two days ago. I've seen him on RUclips many times, but live in a theatre is just out of this world. He plays only Australian Maton guitars, and his music is simply alive, with feeling, emotion and technical brilliance.
Maton in good old Baysie. I still find it hard to believe one of world's greatest guitar manufacturers is in beautiful Bayswater. And these famous musicians sometimes go there to pick up their guitar. I suppose it is an industrial area, after all, my dad had his solid timber furniture factory around the corner.
I was there too! First time back to the Festival Theatre in 30yrs. Probably won't go back until Tommy returns.😊
@@captaintechno8023 they need to rebuild all the seats in the Festival Theatre. They are getting very outdated and not very comfortable. But at least the music was outstanding!
And keep in mind - Tommy has that speed on an ACOUSTIC.
Right?!?!?
I own a Maton EM-225 purely based off it being his signature model (also supporting australian made). The action on that Acoustic is better than a couple of the electrics I own. You never need that death grip around a chord that you do on most acoustics. So smooth.
And you can give him a Tele and he'll start whipping out electric-exclusive tricks you'd swear he'd spent a lifetime perfecting. The man's just a beast when it comes to all things guitar. He terrifies me a little bit.
@@robvancram isn't his signature guitar an 808? That's a maton 808 body in the video
@@HomeBoyLim oh maybe it is nowadays. I brought mine a good 10-12 years ago. I thought the EM in the model is for Emmanuel.
EDIT - I just checked his range...they use TE, not EM. In any case, I got a Maton because I saw him (and john butler) playing them.
The great thing about Tommy is, someone could play all the notes he is playing, and yet his sound remains so distinct. The dynamics and articulation is just out of this world. I love him.
Totally agree!
When Chet Atkins first met Tommy, he told Tommy "I should have been the one coming to visit YOU" Tommy is amazing!!
I've been lucky enough to see Tommy live many times. Once time in the front seats of a small Aussie theatre. Also seen Tommy & his brother Phil live several times. Brilliance is too small a word! They both were true showmen & had so much fun with the audience. Thanks. GAZ (Melbourne/Australia)
There's great artists and then there's masters. This is a master.
And then there is legend
Yes a master but unmusical, just notes
You think this is just a ramble of notes?.....post a vid my friend....we all need to be taught....😆
He’s not a master. He’s THE master
@@ralex3697 100% wrong. You're deaf if you think that.
Tommy is a true master of the instrument. Every little nuance you hear is 100% intentional.
Tommy is next next level the man makes you proud as a Australian.
as does his Australian made guitar and pre-amp.
@@ianmontgomery7213 If you are ever in Melbourne you have to Visit the Maton Factory, Its Brilliant. All made here Proudly in Melbourne Victora, By True Blue Aussies using mostly Australian Woods.
@@azzajohnson2123 I used to make pre-amps for them. We also did Cole Clark ones until late last year.
Actually asutralia has a lot of monster guitarist, Tommy Enmanuel, Plini, Stephen Taranto, Alan Gogoll, and so on...
indeed
I know nothing about music. This is the best reaction video I’ve ever seen. The emotion and expressions in your explanations help give insight into the importance of Emanuel’s transitions and bridges better than any I’ve seen. Also, it brings more significance to my having seen him this year in Fort Lauderdale. I didn’t know what I was watching but I was there because I knew how stellar he is. You are helping me understand more deeply why that is. Had this stuff been around when I was seven, 53 years ago, I would have been a musician. There’s no time left in my life for it. You are fortunate to have the knowledge and passion you have. Thanks for the video!
The only thing more fun than listening to Tommy play is watching him... he enjoys every second of playing, every single time he plays ..
Seriously 😂🤣
Was he playing at the red wedding??
He has been playing this way for 40 years - he is infectious because he loves what he does.
I had the great fortune to see him live in my hometown in the UK about 15-20 years ago, I had never heard of him but noticed on the flyer that he did part of the opening ceremony at the Sydney Olympics and thought 'he's probably pretty decent' well, to say I was blown away would be an understatement, he is a one mad band and beats on that guitar like a beast. Probably the best live show I have ever seen.
If the devil had picked him instead of Steve Vai, Ralph Macchio woulda been screwed
Choice line.
LOL!
We need a Tommy Emmanuel REACTS to Michael's cold breakdown! Enjoyed this very much. Your GIT teacher was right to cancel class that day to witness the great Tommy. The thing is, I've also had the pleasure to witness Tommy live (a few times) in some very intimate (small crowd, up close & personal) venues, and he plays EVERY song with the same level of accuracy and precision and with the same level of intensity and passion and enjoyment as shown in this video. Then after the show he would hang around and happily talk to anyone and everyone for as long as people would care to. Not only an absolutely "Dead set legend" and true "tour de force" master guitarist and musician, but also a true performer and the most down to earth gentleman that you would ever meet. He will always be a national treasure in our little island down under 🦘
Dude. I just want to say your guitar/music ability is top notch. The way you can pick something as complex as this apart, shows your true musicianship. Tommy is on his own level, but you my friend, are also on a level of your own.
Wish I had found you years ago but I’m past the point of learning at your level. I’m 76 with arthritis and I just enjoy picking simple stuff, but it gets more difficult each day. Ok if I just listen and enjoy? Glad to see you are enjoying one of my favorite guitarists. Most of the songs I play are the Beatles. Mostly because I know all the words! 😆😆😆 Thanks again!
Keep playing! No excuses💫
Haha says me who doesn’t have arthritis and hardly practises. Play thru the pain
Hey David, Being another boomer I feel you. Just know that there are 6 levels to go through before you consider stopping altogether. I have students in their late decades and they get plenty of joy out of guitars they have stripped back to two strings. And one has even stripped back to one string. If you have spare guitars try setting up a 2 and 1 string guitar. See what you think. Thank s for sharing.
@@taura101 I think one can enjoy playing any instrument at any level of competence. I learned the hard way, “Comparison is the thief of joy”.
Tommy is the MAN. There is a video of him and Billy Strings playing together that is magic
Ive played for 40 years. I only play acoustic. The fact he can do this flawlessly with ZERO mistakes is mind boggling. NO electric forgiveness to hide behind. I have worked on THIS song for hours and hours and oh yeah........HOURS! I will NEVER achieve this level of perfection. He is a true absolute. I'm an 8 year old compared to him.
Hardly anybody ever distinguishes between the difficulty of playing acoustic vs electric. In my opinion, acoustic is 10x harder to master than electric.
I went to a Tommy Emmanuel Show when I was 15.
I just couldn’t believe what you could do with just a guitar. He inspired me to pick up and learn. Been happily playing ever since.
Tommy = THE GOAT
Used to see him and Tommy EVERY sunday, only had to walk 250 metres.
I'm afraid if I had seen him when I was 15, he would have inspired me to never attempt to play a guitar. :-( I've always been happy playing drums. :-)
he is such a great man, I've had the pleasure of talking to him when he was invited to a small jazz festival here in Italy (called Baronissi jazz) . The day before his performance he was sitting 2 seats away from me listening to an amateur jam session... he was the only one with a couple of beers hidden under his seats XD
My wife surprised me a few years back with tickets, 3rd row. Most amazing thing I've EVER seen.
Yup. I felt what you felt. Even better when you don’t know it’s coming!
The lightening fast entire neck bend at 17:22 is so awesome.
The look on your face once he gets going was so enjoyable - like a kid who can barely contain their excitement 🤣💖👌
Thank you Michael, Tommy is one of the best guitar player in the planet. Maybe you can react to Alip Ba Ta, the best talented fingerstyle guitar player from Indonesia.
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He's not only one of the greatest living guitarists, he's one of the greatest guitarists to have ever lived.
As someone who doesn't even care much for guitars, I can say this is one of the most amazing things I've ever experienced IN MY LIFE!
See him live. You WON’T be disappointed. Not even my style, but still pure joy to witness.
That's a very generous sentiment, respect to you.
17:41 mark - 'Michael rests guitar on lap': Universal sign of surrender.
There's so many looks he gives in this video that scream "is this guy freaking serious!?!" . Tommy has that effect on people.
@@robvancram Amen!
@@robvancram I inherited my brothers electric-acoustic... Been watching youtube vids "learning how to play" whilst under COVID lock-down this year.
I watch these reaction vids from time to time and seeing Tommy's vid today, just broke me... All I want to do is play that song.... like that.... O_o
@@Elbow_Jumper this isn't to discourage but someone could play their entire life and never have a touch like t emmanuelle
@@denmun9722 all good my man! Why not strive for perfection? I'm impressed, inspired and moved to try.... I'll let the internet know how I go 😁
The look on Michaels face when TE warps the guitar is priceless. Literally burst out laughing in my office lol
I just wrote the same comment 😆 he did not see that coming
@@Remydelco that's the quality content we subscribe for haha
Love how hyped up you get. I try to show stuff like this to my wife and kids with the same enthusiasm and it gets lost on them. I now feel normal
Tommy Emmanuel is Australia's greatest export! For a long time he was only known in Australia, so glad we were able to share him. He deserves all the international recognition for being an amazing guitarist and top bloke as well. Watching Tommy as a little kid invoked both feelings of inspiration to play and also to give up guitar at the same time. Haha.
Tommy is so very amazing and a super nice guy to boot. I’ve heard him tell the story about how he taught himself to play listening to Chet Atkins records as a kid, not realizing that he was listening to multiple guitar parts overdubbed on the tracks. Since he didn’t know that, he figured how to play all the parts by himself. Had he known, he may not have become such a master of the instrument. Funny how life works sometimes!
A bit like Charlie Parker on the saxophone. When he was learning he didn't know that saxophonists of the time only soloed in a few of the keys -- the easier ones. So he taught himself to play in all of them. (I remember that from a great biography of Charlie Parker: "Bird Lives". Don't remember the name of the author.)
Really, the story i heard Tommy E tell, was he had heard Chet Atkins, and he was bragging about him to his dad, about plaing all the parts, and his dad told him they were dubbed over and several parts.. Tommy said later he learned that it was just Chet..i could be wrong, its been a while since i heard the story.. and Tommy learned them all. Great entertainer, guy, and musician..
@@barryhoneycutt3894 You are correct I have seen TE live several times and he recounts that he thought Chet was doing it all without over dubbing and wrote him as a kid/teenager only to find out that TE was correct and it was one take. They became pen pals and fostered a friendship that lasted until Chet's passing, RIP.
Tommy Emmanuel has been playing guitar for the best part of 60 years, yet his enthusiasm / love of playing is clear for all to see ...... He's a legend and what's more, he's a good bloke too. One of the greatest musicians Australia has ever produced.
Worth mentioning his late brother Phil was a very good guitarist too.
I differ with you on only one point: he's one of the best musicians ever... anywhere.
Phil was fucking awesome and also a lovely bloke probably should have gave up the snake catching gig though
I've been a Tommy fan for years BUT I was Mega impressed at you copying this rendition like an audio recorder Michael ! SERIOUSLY, it was magical to see you reproduce the piece from Tommy 🙃 subbed. As for Tommy being the best guitarist ? It's in the ear of the beholder and I think anyone who gets the BUZZ out of music is the Bomb ❤️ I've loved warbling since age 6 but I've got the Music Buzz from Musicians all my Life 🙃 All Kudos to all you pro musicians 🙃 Thanks Michael, you came up in my feed and I'm glad 💯
I really appreciate and enjoyed your honest joy and admiration of Tommy Emmanuels Talent despite your own professional knowledge and
I do thank you for sharing this experience. Hardly anything else can be added to that.
I did experience two live performances by him and each time "did blow my socks off".
Not only is he playing very technical and a lot of notes, he doesn’t make it sound boring, he adds dynamics, good phrasing and also, just an overall awesome performing presence.
His laugh at the end of his performance makes this guy a 1000 times more likeable.. ❤💛💚
WOOF
My Dad and I used to see him in small pubs and bars whenever he was in Sydney in the 80’s n 90’s. Honestly jaw-dropping.
freshpootube your dad and I probably crossed paths then. Love Tommy Emmanuel.
I may have crossed paths with you peeps too. I saw Tommy many times both inside and outside of Sydney from the 80s until he last visit after Phil's passing (RIP). In 1991 I was fortunate enough to get invited to a masterclass he did at the Wagga Wagga Twin Cinema (I know - odd venue) with James Morrison (trumpet). There were 8 students including myself. It was an unbelievable, eye opening, mind blowing, personal experience.
Late 80's The Star Hotel in Sydney Tommy and Phil were the greatest guitar moments in life. First started following him after he played a Beatles Medley in the Domain, I could not believe that one person could actually do that with a guitar. I have seen him every time he has visited Perth. Got to meet him backstage once and I had 3 young guys with me who had never seen a guy actually do that with a guitar!!! Full circle! Thanks for the video. I love people loving Tommy play guitar!!
Amazing to hear the stories he had early on where he was barely able even with his amazing talent to earn a basic living. His early years and marriage were tumultuous as a result.
Besides the magic he shows with both hands the speed and virtually perfect timing he maintains is remarkable. Watching him it looks like he's in a trance and the music is just flowing out of him, as amazing to watch as it is to listen to.
I'm Australian, have lived in Australia all my life, am in my mid 40s, am a musician and my life has always been and always will be music (yes kids, I love you too, Dad promises). I first saw Tommy play live around 1995 at a rock festival (yes rock festival) in Western Australia to a few thousand young people and going by the other comments here I don't need to explain the impact he had on the crowd that night. Anyway, to see Michael's video above and have confirmation from a learned musical teacher, who understands music from a technical / theory perspective, that yes Tommy is actually that special has made me and I'm sure many other Tommy Emmanual fans extremely emotional. He's not 1 in a million, he's 1 in 7.8 billion.
This is the first video I've seen of yours. I've been a fan of Tommy's for years. I love your enthusiasm and detailed explanation of his playing.
The greats, Tommy, SRV, are a joy to watch because they derive so much joy from playing...AND IT SHOWS!!!
And you hear it and you’re full of joy too
I was at a concert at Baylor University many years ago where Tommy had the half filled house rockin'! Someone in the front row asked him how he was able to anchor his thumb and get to impossible positions around it. He held up his hands, and they were a completely different shape from one another. Hours upon hours of practice had reshaped his left hand. Amazing dedication to his instrument.
I know Tommy and Phil Emmanual very well. When I was growing up...my parents used to have them over to stay when they were touring around Queensland. Unfortunately Phil died couple years ago and I used to do the sound for him and sometimes open for his shows. I remember when I was a child Tommy and Phil used to play the same guitar at the same time... playing three different songs...Bass, Melody, and lead all at the same time, and not even looking at the fretboard having a cigarette and a whiskey all at the same time. Absolutely mind blowing.
Having seen TE live (and signed the headstock on my Larrivee 🤪) he’s even crazier when you hear it for 2 hours straight with dozens of different arrangements, tunings, and his plain joyful attitude the entire time while wowing everyone.
Bro you’re so good for being able to follow this with such ease at that depth! It’s amazing fr. I been playing over 20 years and I can’t do it that smooth. Excellent ear for key change
Watching Michael loving Tommy’s guitar playing is as enjoyable as watching Tommy in this vid! Thanks for posting Michael
I've seen Tommy live a few times - first time up close in a tiny venue... he's breathtaking to watch live... How he does some of the things he does, is incredible
I don’t know much about guitar, but I love Tommy so much that I gave this vid a try, and now I really like this teacher too!
I LOVE HONEST PPL WHO ARE SMART, KIND, and CAN THROW AWAY THEIR DAMN EGO WHEN APPRECIATING TRUE MASTERS OF SOMETHING!!
This guy is SO me when I talk about Marlon Brando!! ❤️😂👍
You’re clearly a skilled teacher. Haven’t touched a guitar in years, but your explanations are very succinct. Cheers.
It's so much fun to watch Michael here not just feeling the overwhelming appreciation for Tommy Emmanuel around every corner, but at the same time this oh so relatable resignation all of us feel when watching Tommy Emmanuel. Somewhere between "I want to keep practicing a few decades and learn that" and "I'll never learn that, I'll better trash my guitar right now and spare me the pain." I also love how much fun those masters of their craft are often having doing what they do. Reminds me of Victor Borge at the piano. So much humor, so much fun and so much skill and muscle memory... Pure dedication. That's uplifting!
Tommy does things that are not humanly possible, he’s also so humble from the videos that I watched of him.
I talk to him way back in the days and he told me getting to read Ted Greens Chord Chemestry was a game changer.
That's a great tidbit. Tommy clearly studies hard.
Steve Vai gives the same advice.... hmmm proabably should read that book.
Ear, & Theory.
WHY would the man bother with standard notation??
Your knowledge of notes on the fretboard was as amazing as Tommy's playing dont sell your self short brother
Yep, I agree. I was impressed with the speed of working out the chords and chord runs. A good watch.
@@markkeohane9850 he could have watched it beforehand lol still pretty good tho
@@markkeohane9850 Eh, he was kinda close but off for the vast majority of the video when attempting to imitate what Tommy played.
@@bryani. Yes, there are a lot of incorrect chords on there. I kind of doubt his ear when he constantly hears m7b5 as dim7.
Out of the countless hours of Phil and Tommy playing my all time favourite is their rendition of the Last Post. It's haunting
You hit the nail on the head when you said “he knows the function of every single note that he’s playing.” That, I believe is the magic of Tommy. I was and remain a devoted student of Michael Hedges, I came to the same conclusion about him 27 years ago. They both have the ability to know where they are at all times on the fretboard and what can be accessed at any given moment. 20K-30K hours of dedicated practice..
Saying "he knows the function of a note" is incorrect:/ The function of a note is to be THAT note. What he does so well is knows exactly where on the fretboard to find any note or combination thereof that exists. Then he goes and finds the same notes, triads and combinations in a dozen different places ,lol. Hes also smooth and lighting fast doing this. I dare say he knows the fretboard BETTER than the back of his hand,lol. Hes also great at composition and arrangement. Ive spent some time with him after a couple of shows. Not the humblest man on earth but he does"nt bloody have to be,lol. To be fair, it depends on his mood. One night he was filthy angry that a mob of provincial Tasmanians[yes, he said that] talked over him:/ It was a bar ffs!!! Next time he was great and happy to sign my Maton and play a bit with me. The guy is intimidating as hell, and ive been playing over 50 years and am not exactly ametuer level,lol. Being a busy guy with many interests including surfing and photography[i wont go into the cars,lol] i would have half the practice hours maximum. But unlike so many i hear are throwing their guitars out the window after hearing some guitar god. I dont get that. There will will always be someone better. The main thing for me now, decades after my band days are over is the sheer enjoyment of playing and composing:) I love my looper:) Who needs other people anymore,lol
@@TheZacdes Regarding the definition of “function” you explained my point exactly. Function and the guitar for me is a mathematical relationship. However, you explained it so much better than I did. Thank you my friend and for the delightful insight to Tommy “after hours” so to speak.
Have a wonderful New Year!
@@RealPeterGunn I agree and was actually thinking as i typed it that its all math based, and being good at math, has the music i hear translating into the math relationships you mentioned. I hear math, and sound,lol. Ime gifted with nearly perfect pitch. If you can call it a gift when the slightest note out of tune drives me nuts,lol Pity about it being such a compromise tuning wise:/ I would like a fretless job, but their hard to find:) You have a good one too mate:)
I truly appreciate your enthusiasm for music and your passion to explain these things in a way that brings emotion to the mechanics and theory. You have a great way of explaining things that make ME as excited as you are, even though I have no idea what you're talking about most of the time.
This was so damn good to watch, your analysis is just amazing and it's so fun to see you go through the emotions of watching Tommy Emmanuel play! What you said about "If it sounds good, it is" hits home for me. I -played- massacred one of his early songs for my high school final exams, I have no idea about anything you spoke about but it just felt good to play that song.
As a bass player of 35 years I get where you're at as a musician. It's that ability to know what key and chord structures at first listen, and hook right in. I also relate to your frustration when the answer is in front of you but you're just not quite getting it right and you know it! The smoothness of your playing comes only from putting a lot of hours in over a long period of time. May it continue to shine. As for Tommy, I don't know where he found his hours. He blew me away when I saw him 20 years ago. Tommy Emmanuel is a dead set Australian living legend.
Chet Atkins Certified Guitar Players: Tommy Emmanuel, John Knowles, Jerry Reed, and Steve Wariner. How about a little love for Jerry Reed? EDIT: There have been several guitarists mentioned by Chet as CGP. These are the only four 'certified' by the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society.
Yes!! Thank you!
Lenny Breau
@@martydibergi5228 AFAIK Chet was big fan but never conferred Lenny the CGP title.
I was thinking Jerry Reed as well.
Nobody man spreads like Jerry Reed
We were amazed by the teacher quickly able to hear & name watever note Tommy plays
I went to a workshop given by Tommy at York Jazz festival (West Aust.) in the 80s I think.....he actually gave me some time and attention even though I was a complete beginner....he was so encouraging to me even though I was totally out of my depth. He is absolutely enthusiastic about the guitar, which is why he is so good oc.